Press

Jennie-lee’s work across major global events and cultural platforms has attracted independent media coverage spanning international sport, live events, culture and leadership.

Below is a curated selection of press, features and interviews highlighting her role in delivering large-scale ceremonies and entertainment, and her perspective on leadership at scale.

Meet some of the incredible women helping deliver FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

"What is your favourite thing about working on Qatar 2022?" - the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) asked a diverse group of female employees to mark International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8 every year.

The SC, which has more than 300 female employees, including many in senior leadership positions, went behind the scenes at Al Bidda Tower and discuss their pride at working on the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.

* Moza al-Mohannadi, marketing & communications director, Generation Amazing
Nationality: Qatari
Joined: 2015

“I love the spirit of teamwork and defiance on this project. My mother raised my sister and I alone, following my father’s death when I was young – and the woman my mother was, inspired me greatly. She empowered us both to challenge ourselves, work to the best of our abilities and follow our dreams. Now, as the mother of three daughters myself, I am committed to continuing her legacy by empowering my daughters and inspiring them to deliver their best, while I continue to learn and grow on my own journey.”



* Jenni-Lee Van Gelder, ceremonies director, Marketing & Event Experience
Nationality: Australian
Joined: 2020

“I love the people I work with. They come from all around the world. Equality goes far beyond nationality or gender. It encompasses so much – how we respect each other, work together, move forward as a team at work, or in life generally, and the positive difference we make along the way. Today is a day to reflect on women’s achievements and the journey so far – whether that be historically over decades, or our own personal journey. Working on the World Cup we are all one – we are working towards delivering an enjoyable and exciting tournament that welcomes and celebrates everyone.”

* Afraa al-Noaimi, executive director, Josoor Institute
Nationality: Qatari
Joined: 2013

“I love the fact women play an important role across many different fields. For myself, it has been an incredible journey over the last nine years which has taken me from HR manager to director to executive director. There have been so many challenges and opportunities. My story is just one of many that highlights the value and support our organisation offers through merit-based progression. I am also proud to have the opportunity to mentor people in my current role. It feels empowering to pay it forward to the next generation of leaders.”

* Maryam al-Muftah, digital services & innovation director, Technology & Innovation
Nationality: Qatari
Joined: 2013

“To work on a World Cup tournament is incredible and historical in itself – for the region and as an individual – but to work alongside such a diverse and richly talented group of people is what makes it even more special.

“I have worked with many colleagues since joining the SC and nine years on, it is still inspiring to see empowered women being a key and valued driving force behind such an historic project.”

Link to article:
GULF TIMES - 9 March 2022

Isabel Davalos, international media relations expert, Communications
Nationality: Spanish
Joined: 2014

“I’ve been lucky enough to see the project grow from a time where there were no stadiums at all. I love the fact we have incredible women from all over the world who bring a wealth of experience and insight. One of the reasons we say Qatar 2022 is a World Cup for everyone is because the people behind the tournament are truly global and the diversity we have here not only enriches the working environment, but is also invaluable when working on a project for a global audience.”

Asha Hussein, digital community manager, Communications
Nationality: British-Somali
Joined: 2021

“The world will have to look at us as the pioneering, change-making women that we are – the disruptors that we are. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? In Qatar – more than anywhere else I’ve worked – I have seen women from diverse backgrounds in influential leadership roles with a crucial seat at the table, consistently making a positive impact. It is important for us to always be pioneers and challengers – and to positively influence and inspire others.”


Dr Talar Sahsuvaroglu, sustainability & environmental subject matter expert
Nationality: Armenian-Canadian
Joined: 2013

“I grew up in Doha, so it’s wonderful to be back, seeing all the changes and bringing all my international experience to Qatar for the World Cup. It’s a magical place and a beautiful melting pot of cultures and traditions.
“We are all looking forward to celebrating this festival of football with fans from all around the world. I am also looking forward to seeing many women discover this hidden gem of a country and region for themselves.”

Dazzling Qatar 2022 opening ceremony wows billions of fans across the globe

The mesmerising opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 showcased local culture and promoted unity, while celebrating our global passion for football.

For the team behind the show at Al Bayt Stadium, it was the culmination of months of planning, rehearsals and hard work.

“It was a dream seeing everything come together so beautifully,” said Shaikha Al Thani, Executive Director, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). “Our vision was to celebrate different cultures while showcasing Qatari heritage. It was important to pay tribute to what this tournament set out to achieve in the very beginning – which was to bring people together and break down social barriers.”

More than 400 artists took part in the show, which was narrated by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman and featured K-Pop sensation Jung Kook of Korean supergroup BTS. A host of special guests from Qatar also took part in the ceremony, including Ghanim Al Muftah, Dana and Fahad Al Kubaisi, plus 300 tournament volunteers.

There was also a distinctive contribution from His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and His Highness the Father Amir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The ceremony centred on two suspended bridges in the middle of the pitch to encompass the idea of bridging distances, and began with a cinematic video experience. Qatar and the wider world were explored through the eyes of a whale shark – a native creature that has been a symbolic compass for navigators throughout history.

The eight-act narration culminated with giant jerseys from all 32 participating nations, every mascot in FIFA World Cup history, including the Qatar 2022 version, La’eeb, and a huge inflatable emblem. Conceived as a joyous and contemporary one-of-a-kind spectacle with an important unifying message, the ceremony was produced by Executive Artistic Director, Ahmed Al Baker, CEO of Katara Studios, and Artistic Director, Anghela Alo.

“It was a beautiful show put together by beautiful people,” said Jenni-Lee Van Gelder, the SC’s Director of Ceremonies. “Celebrating different cultures through football is what makes the World Cup special – and with the tournament coming to this part of the world for the first time, we wanted to take the opportunity to deliver something truly special.”

“What made this experience so wonderful is the fact we brought the entire world together to deliver a world-class opening ceremony,” added Van Gelder, who previously worked on similar ceremonies for the Sydney Olympics and Rugby World Cup.

For Nada Al Marrikhi, Ceremonies Operations Senior Officer, one of the most rewarding aspects of working on the project was managing a cast that embodied the spirit of the performance.

“Working day-in, day-out with artists from around the world to celebrate this momentous occasion was such a valuable experience. No matter where people were from, they wholeheartedly believe in the power of football to unite the world and were eager to be part of the ceremony,” said Al Marrikhi.

Early indications suggest billions of fans tuned in to watch the opening ceremony, which got the 29-day tournament off to the perfect start.

“I am extremely proud of the team,” added Al Thani, who has spent a decade working for the SC. “We were able to create something magical that celebrated the entire world, while showcasing the depth and beauty of our culture. The ceremony proved to the world that Qatar is capable of organising mega sporting events while setting new standards for creativity and brilliance.”

Spectacular opening ceremony signals the
start of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

The 30-minute opening ceremony amazed the thousands in attendance and billions watching around the globe. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman and featuring Jung Kook from Korean supergroup BTS, the ceremony showcased Qatari culture and heritage while highlighting football’s ability to unite people from different countries and cultures. A host of special guests from Qatar took part in the ceremony, including Ghanim Al Muftah, Dana and Fahad Al Kubaisi – and they were joined by hundreds of performers and tournament volunteers. The ceremony featured eight distinct parts, culminating with giant jerseys from all 32 participating nations, every mascot in FIFA World Cup history, including the Qatar 2022 version La’eeb, and a huge inflatable emblem. Conceived as a joyous and contemporary one-of-a-kind spectacle with an important unifying message, the ceremony was produced by Executive Artistic Director, Ahmed Al Baker, CEO of Katara Studios, with support from Creative Director, Marco Balich, and Artistic Director, Anghela Alo.

In his address, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar said: “From Qatar, from an Arab country, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022. We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity. Finally, we have reached the opening day, the day that you have been eagerly waiting for. Starting from this evening, and for a period of twenty-nine days, we will follow, and with us the whole world, God willing, the great football festival, in this spacious ambience for human and civilized communication. People of different races, nationalities, faiths and orientations will gather here in Qatar, and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments. How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time. I wish all the participating teams a magnificent football performance, high sportsmanship, and a time full of joy, excitement and delight for you all. And let there be days that are inspiring with goodness and hope. I welcome you and good luck to all.”

The Ticket - ABC News

Link to interview:
Jennie-lee starts at 6.08